Dante Spinotti

Dante Spinotti, A.S.C., A.I.C. (born 22 August 1943) is an Italian cinematographer and a member of the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He is known for his collaborations with directors Michael Mann, Michael Apted, Deon Taylor, and Brett Ratner, and is frequently credited with helping to pioneer the use of high-definition digital video in cinematography. He is a BAFTA Award recipient and two-time Academy Award nominee (for L.A. Confidential and The Insider).

Biography
Spinotti was born in Tolmezzo, near the Austrian border. At the age of 11, he began experimenting with still photography with a camera inherited from his uncle, a cinematographer and director who specialized in documentaries and newsreels. He left high school early to work in the film industry in Kenya, driven by his skills in freehand drawing.

He moved to the United States in 1986, entering a highly competitive Hollywood environment. Spinotti has highlighted the meticulous preparation and collaborative spirit essential to his work, particularly with director Michael Mann. He also discussed the process of remastering classics like "Heat" and adapting to new technologies, such as using digital cinematography and even iPhones for certain shots to enhance storytelling.

Among the more notable films he has worked on are The Last of the Mohicans, Heat, and L.A. Confidential. Spinotti also was the cinematographer for Brett Ratner's films, such as Red Dragon (2002), After the Sunset (2004), and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).

Spinotti was the cinematographer on both adaptations of the novel Red Dragon by Thomas Harris: Michael Mann's 1986 adaptation (titled Manhunter), and Brett Ratner's 2002 adaptation. He won the Golden Camera 300 award at the Manaki Brothers Film Festival in North Macedonia for lifetime achievement.

Film
Short film

Documentary film

Acting roles

Television
Miniseries

TV movies

TV series

Awards and nominations
Academy Awards

BAFTA Awards

American Society of Cinematographers

Los Angeles Film Critics Association

Satellite Awards

Chicago Film Critics Association

National Society of Film Critics